Women and Stroke: Know the Risks

In a society where breast cancer dominates women’s health concerns, a female’s risk of stroke is generally overlooked. Given that 1 in 5 women will suffer a stroke in her lifetime, we’re sharing the risk factors, signs and what to do if you suspect you are having a stroke.

The statistics are sobering. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than half of the 795,000 strokes reported in the U.S. annually occur among women. And of the 129,000 Americans who die each year from stroke, women comprise 60 percent of those fatalities — it is the third-leading cause of death among females. For those who survive, even quality of life for women post-stroke is lower than that of men.

May Is Stroke Awareness Month

Although any woman at any age can be stricken with this disease, the AHA reports that 80 percent of strokes can be avoided. In fact, stroke is the No.1 preventable cause of disability worldwide.

Know the factors that place females at increased risk, learn what you can do to prevent stroke and help us spread awareness today!